Maybe it’s her eclectic background: She spent part of her childhood in Africa; studied fashion
in Italy; and earned degrees in English, Spanish and fine arts from Ohio State University.

Maybe it’s the fact that her work is stunning — beautifully designed (by hand, not on a
computer); exceptionally fabricated (all about the feel); and thoughtfully made (no tugging
necessary on that strapless dress).

Kessler, who often works in her bare feet, is an old soul in a 26-year-old body. She owns
Ghinda, a custom clothier tucked inside a Downtown office building. She specializes in bridal
gowns. The company is named after the east African town where she lived as a child.

Her dream? To design red-carpet dresses.

Her present? Designing dresses that make brides feel red-carpet-worthy.

Kessler’s designs are classic and minimalist, with an easy boho bent. She uses casual fabrics —
metal-infused nylon, silk charmeuse and silk matte jersey. Each gown is lined with cupro, a fabric
that feels like silk but breathes like cotton.

“We just really like to make our dresses comfortable from the inside out,” she said. “You want
to be gorgeous, but you also want to feel gorgeous.”

Kessler launched Ghinda two years ago without a business loan. Instead, she works nights as a
server at Marcella’s in the Short North. Six months ago, she moved her work space from her
Worthington home to her Downtown studio. Since then, she has sold 22 bridal gowns.

They range in price from $300 to $7,000, but most cost $1,500 to $2,500, Kessler said. Brides
can choose from gowns in her collection or work with her on a custom design.

Kessler is launching her third collection.

“There’s something so special about making a dress that somebody is going to wear one time,” she
said. “I love it so much. I wake up every morning, and I cannot wait to come in here.”

Ghinda is open by appointment. Call 614-440-0544 or visit www.byghinda.com.